Princess 32 re engine question

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barryassheton

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Hi, I recently purchased a Princess 32 in need of extensive repair and I want to replace the engines but I am unsure which engines to get and which ones are compatible with the leg. I currently have 2 AQ171c engines with 290 legs, I would like to replace them with diesels 120-170hp. I would be grateful of some suggestions. Also The timber frame around the cockpit window is wooden and rotting and I have noticed a lot of other P32's have aluminium frames, Are these frames easy to get hold of or build or would i be better replacing the wood and fibre glassing to seal it.

Thanks baz
 
This might sound daft but is it a Princess 32? The reason I ask is that the hull or a modified version was used as the basis for other boats and I have never seen a P32 with wooden windscreen frames (we had one as our first boat and I did quite a bit of research). If memory serves there was a boat called an RLM that used the same hull and had wooden screens.....

Maybe off the Mark and I am sure that someone will step in with a bit more knowledge

Do you above any pics that you could post?
 
Greg2 said:
This might sound daft but is it a Princess 32? The reason I ask is that the hull or a modified version was used as the basis for other boats and I have never seen a P32 with wooden windscreen frames (we had one as our first boat and I did quite a bit of research). If memory serves there was a boat called an RLM that used the same hull and had wooden screens.....

Maybe off the Mark and I am sure that someone will step in with a bit more knowledge

Do you above any pics that you could post?
Click to expand...

I was told by the guy I got it from that it was a P32. I will try to add a few pics.

Thanks Baz

$_57 (1).jpg$_57 (2).jpgIMG_20140524_185800.jpg
 
Looks like an RLM 31 or a Senior 31. I think the were sold with Perkins 4107/8 diesels. Or I think some had 75hp Volvo Pentas diesels. I'm not sure if it would be able for a pair of 120 - 170hp diesels.
 
The largest hp fitted from the factory was twin 130 hp aqad 40 diesels which gave a good 25 knots.
One was rebuilt with twin 170 hp kad 32s which must make top 20knots . The hull is very flat and will slam in rough water, don't spend a fortune as it won't add much value. Often you can pick up a pair of tamd 41 s at 200hp each for reasonable money .
 
It's not a p32.its not an RLM either,although RLM 31's were built on senior 31 mouldings,as where the marine project's project 31,forerunner to the P32.
With those windows it looks like a home completed senior hull and superstructure,of which there were many.
Replace the wooden frames.they are fixed from underneath,remove the head linings for access.if you do one piece at a time it can be done in situ,with the glass removed.
Good luck,they are good boats,still plenty about.
 
As Volvopaul has said don't spend too much,they are not worth much.
A P32 on the thames was re engined with Kad's,it apparently flew but was very stern heavy,wouldn't tamd41's be too heavy?
There was one many moons ago re engined with AQA31's, she also flew along.
If you can get hold of a copy MBM may 94 has an article on the one re engined with the AQ's.
 
Flynnbarr said:
As Volvopaul has said don't spend too much,they are not worth much.
A P32 on the thames was re engined with Kad's,it apparently flew but was very stern heavy,wouldn't tamd41's be too heavy?
There was one many moons ago re engined with AQA31's, she also flew along.
If you can get hold of a copy MBM may 94 has an article on the one re engined with the AQ's.
Click to expand...

Were the AQA31's known by another name as unlike most engines I cant find any information on them.

I found a brochure online for the Senior 31 and the layout in the brochure is almost exact to my boat so thanks guys I am now 99.9% that she is a Senior 31. Now just to find suitable engines for the 290 leg.

Thanks Baz
 
Divemaster1 said:
Search for Volvo AQAD31 ... and you should find plenty of info...
Click to expand...

Thanks. I found some information but I am trying to find the weight of the AQAD31's, the manuals don't seem to be as readily available as other engines.

Tamad41's were mentioned as a replacement but each engine weighs 455kg. my current engines weigh 240kg each (according to the manual) without fluids so I didnt want to double the engine weight and cause her to be too stern heavy.
 
AQA31's maybe a bit long in the tooth now,spares etc?
Lancing marine,transit conversion,140hp I think?
You need an engine guru,plenty on here
 
barryassheton said:
...... my current engines weigh 240kg each (according to the manual) without fluids so I didnt want to double the engine weight and cause her to be too stern heavy.
Click to expand...

You won't find many diesels with that HP and weight ...

The AD31 was 385 Kg ( http://www.volvopenta.com/volvopent...lication_search/Pages/publication_search.aspx ) ... + drive which makes for around 440 Kg

I'd try as suggested in here already, to contact Lancing Marine and look at a Transit engine base ... bound to be a lot cheaper and from a parts availability (and parts cost) there should be no comparison....
 
Thanks everyone this has given me a lot to think about. The transit engines sound like a great idea for weight, parts and availability. I am not expecting to change the engines for at least a couple of years as this is going to be a long project partly due to funds and time but I will enjoy every minute. I will no doubt have lots more questions over the coming years. Thank you for your advice.

Baz
 
http://www.leomagill.co.uk

Have a look at this site..... RLM - re engined DIY.

Even with small engines they are very stern heavy. Need lots of ballast up front if you want to use at sea.

SS850250.JPG


Nothing you do will add value...... be careful.
 
barryassheton said:
I am not expecting to change the engines for at least a couple of years
Baz
Click to expand...

A word to the wise, with the AQ171 it is absolutely essential that you change the cam belt, and replace the belt tensioner including bearing. Do it now, clean the pulleys of all corrosion and also service the raw water pumps with new impellers and especially seals on the impeller shafts. They have a tendency to weep salt water from the back of the raw water pump that flick on to the belt and tensioner bearings which can seize and then it throws the belt. It's an interference engine so the valves will hit the pistons, very common with these engines and there are no heads around on the second hand market. Then it's re-engine time, ask me how I know - bitter experience... Oh and the outdrives you have are 2.15:1 ratio which won't be suitable for a diesel conversion as your engines are designed to rev much harder than any diesel especially a transit engine. Best thing you can do is be absolutely scrupulous with the belt maintenance, keep on buying petrol and use and enjoy your boat, don't consider a conversion - trust me it's the best and cheapest option.
 
Scarron said:
A word to the wise, with the AQ171 it is absolutely essential that you change the cam belt, and replace the belt tensioner including bearing. Do it now, clean the pulleys of all corrosion and also service the raw water pumps with new impellers and especially seals on the impeller shafts. They have a tendency to weep salt water from the back of the raw water pump that flick on to the belt and tensioner bearings which can seize and then it throws the belt. It's an interference engine so the valves will hit the pistons, very common with these engines and there are no heads around on the second hand market. Then it's re-engine time, ask me how I know - bitter experience... Oh and the outdrives you have are 2.15:1 ratio which won't be suitable for a diesel conversion as your engines are designed to rev much harder than any diesel especially a transit engine. Best thing you can do is be absolutely scrupulous with the belt maintenance, keep on buying petrol and use and enjoy your boat, don't consider a conversion - trust me it's the best and cheapest option.
Click to expand...

Thanks you I will look in to that. my reason for putting diesels in is cheaper to run although I am toying with the idea of Lpg but I will have to really look in to this first as I dont know if it can be done.

Baz
 
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